Albania aka: Shqiperia

i was here for two months with my best friend, stayed at a family’s apartment (sorry, won’t be of any help for hotels/hostels). what i noticed is that almost all the apartments are the same. they same layout, practically the same sizes (although the albanians are beginning to explore new domestic architecture, post communism in keeping up with the western world).

the customs and a traditions are quite strictly adhered to, although certain areas of albania, mostly central (considered to be populated by more of the “educated”), are more open minded to modern customs. but it is obvious that albanians have a strong sense of culture, and patriotism to rival americans. although i personally don’t see what there is to be very proud of in a country that drowning in poverty, there must be something in it for the people.

my friend and i went out almost every night, and has seen quite the majority of the city. the nightlife is lively, but dies out at about 11 pm (that’s when the last bus comes, correlation anyone?). as another post mentioned, it would be unsafe for a girl to be walking down the street alone anytime after 9 pm. having a male companion is the golden ticket out of the harrassment one would receive on the street by street kids and groups of boys posted along walls and street corners throughout the city. (btw, women who have experienced this dose of albanian treatment will be thankful if they get to go home to a country that respects the rights of women).

going into restaurants, bars of cafes, many of the waiters have some english skills, however, to travel about the city and venture throughout the country, it is recommended to be with someone who is fluent in albanian. you can only survive with one worded commands for so long.

overall, it was a very interesting stay, a different cultural experience, just be prepared to encounter a few vulgarities, little courtesy and lack of customer service along the way . . .

I was a bit disappointed with my stay, as we were only there a very very short amount of time, and didn’t get to see much. Can’t say my opinion would be worth judging Albania on.

I am going to Albania in May 2008 and will be there for nine months. My husband is from Lac and in order for him to get his green card we must go back. We are going to be living with family in Tirana and I cannot wait! I’m so excited to go because I’ve never been here before. Anyone have suggestions of what I must see? My husband said we have to go to Durres because it has gorgeous beaches. I want to go NOW♥♥♥

IT WAS A VERY GOOD TRIP BUT VISITING SERBIA WAS A VERY BAD TRIP.COUSE THEY ARE VERY UNFRIENDLY AND CRAZYKNOW THEY WAS SLAVES HAHAH">PEOPLES

I visited here for three months. Don’t come as a tourist, come as a cultural enthusiast. Stay with an Albanian family. Eat Albanian food. Drink the Raki. Lots of Raki. Grab a ride on a Mac Truck from Tepelena to Tirana. For the adventurous at heart.

The picture is of me with my Albanian grandma. I like John Lennon. When I was shopping for fruits in the local market I spotted some perfectly round Lennon-like glasses and I bought them. When I was showing them off at dinner that night, my grandma showed a big interest in them. “Do you want them?” I asked. “Oh, thank you, thank you!” she said and promptly put them on. This is dinner, mind you. So she’s walking around and then she goes to get something from outside and falls over a bucket. She still wouldn’t take the glasses off though. The picture was taken on the last day I was there. Grandma put on the glasses. I added the dew rag and the Adidas hat to complete the picture. The lady behind us is my Albanian mom, who was laughing hysterically